East Grand Rapids Schools issue FAQ sheet about suspended teacher, but few answers

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- East Grand Rapids School administrators have released a "frequently asked questions" sheet about a suspended teacher under investigation for possible inappropriate conduct with former students.

Hopkins, also a cross-country/track coach, was placed on administrative leave last week.

East Grand Rapids Superintendent Sara Shubel issued a letter to parents on Friday about Hopkins.

In the FAQ document, school leaders say it's a Title IX investigation and they cannot elaborate on the accusations against Hopkins.

They also say they cannot reveal the name of anyone who filed a complaint against Hopkins in order to protect their identity. School leaders say "former students" have asked to have "complete confidentiality and anonymity."

School officials say no currently enrolled students have come forward with complaints.

They go on to say, however, that it's true that some of Hopkins' former students had relationships with him after they graduated.

School officials acknowledge that it's not illegal for a former student, after graduation, to have a relationship with a teacher.

"However, our standards of professional and ethical conduct expect more of staff than simply being free of criminal behavior. EGRPS staff and coaches are role models and we hold them to high standards and expectations," according to the document.

The document goes on to advise the proper channels of contact for anyone who has information about the investigation.